Star midfielder Dan Hannebery admits it took his side some time to adjust to the wet and windy conditions on the Gold Coast on Saturday night.

The Suns were leading at quarter time by 11 points after a three goal to one opening quarter before the Swans midfield kicked into gear.

Hannebery (36 disposals) led the way for the midfield group that became dominant after the first quarter despite losing the contested footy count 197-192.

Josh Kennedy, Tom Mitchell and Hannebery combine for 102 disposals with 54 of those being contested.

It was the defensive efforts of the Swans in the wet and wild conditions that stood out, finishing the contest with 131 tackles – the most ever by a Swans side.

“It was a really tough slog,” Hannebery said.

“We thought their pressure and contested footy was pretty good so we had to match that at stages.

“We fluctuated but overall we are pretty happy with the outcome and in tough conditions to get the four points.”

Tom Mitchell led the way on the tackle count to finish with a career high 14 in a shut down role on Suns captain Gary Ablett.

With plenty of bruised and battered bodies the Swans will now turn their attention towards recovering in time for next Sunday’s Sydney Derby X.

 “It is a huge game, they are a top four quality side and we respect them enormously,” Hannebery said.

“They have star talent all over the park and they work really hard so you have to play four quarters against a side like that to give yourself a chance.”